Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has been slapped with an eight-match ban after being sent off during defeat at Barcelona.

Costa was handed two suspensions of four games - four for his abusive words towards ref Jesus Gil Manzano and another four for grabbing the referee's arm when he went to his top pocket to show the player the second yellow card.

Atletico are appealing the ruling.

The length of the ban means Costa's season is over - as could his Atletico career.

The former Chelsea striker has interest from the Chinese Premier League and his behaviour at the Nou Camp has many board members pushing for his sale.